Named characters

Major entities (proper, common)

FAC

55 here
38 home
30 my apartment
22 the kitchen
20 the bathroom
19 the room/The room
17 the club/The club
17 my bedroom
16 her apartment/Her apartment
16 my place

GPE

6 town
4 there
3 the city/the City
1 major cities
1 here
1 Gated community
1 the United States
1 this city
1 this state
1 this country

LOC

10 the world/The world
5 the hill
2 the island
2 the universe
1 my world
1 the cliffs of Malibu
1 rich beach
1 earth to
1 the heart of Los Angeles
1 the ocean

PER

49 each other
43 someone
35 everyone/Everyone/EVERYONE
34 my best friend
29 people/People
27 anyone
24 man/Man
24 my brothers/My brothers
24 the girls/The girls
20 my parents

ORG

1 Secret Scrabble Society
1 the SSS
1 the Secret Scrabble Society
1 the club
1 the parish
1 a social media conglomerate for everything sports where the athletes
1 Family Feud
1 the company
1 your company
1 Meghan -All

VEH

10 the car
7 my car
6 his car
5 the plane
4 the elevator
3 her car
2 his model airplane
2 her white SUV
1 a boat
1 your private jet

Text

Published by Hot - Lanta Publishing , LLC Copyright 2023 Cover Design By : RBA Designs

This book is licensed for [your]_232-your personal enjoyment only . This book may not be re - sold or given away to [other people]_{233-other people} . If [you]_232-your would like to share this book with [another person]_{234-another person} , please purchase an additional copy for [each person]_{235-each person} . If [you]_232-your ’re reading this book and did not purchase it , or it was not purchased for [your]_232-your use only , then please return it and purchase [your]_232-your own copy . Thank [you]_232-your for respecting the hard work of [this author]_{236-this author} .

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means , including information storage and retrieval systems , without written permission from [the author]_{237-the author} , except for the use of brief quotations in a book review . To obtain permission to excerpt portions of the text , please contact [the author]_{237-the author} at meghan.quinn.author@gmail.com

All characters in this book are fiction and figments of [the author]_{237-the author} ’s imagination .

www.authormeghanquinn.com

Copyright © 2023 [Meghan Quinn]_{62-meghan quinn} All rights reserved .

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Epilogue

Excerpt - Kiss and Don†™ t Tell

More Books by [Meghan

Prologue

LIA]_168-lia

“ Excuse [me]_0-i , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say , bumping into [a lanky guy]_{240-a lanky guy} in [a jam - packed dorm hallway]_{241-a jam - packed dorm hallway} . “ Sorry , did n’t see [you]_{240-a lanky guy} there . [I]_{240-a lanky guy} ’m all kinds of lost . ”_{[240-a lanky guy]} “ Not a problem , ”_{[240-a lanky guy]} says a deep voice that pulls [my]_0-i gaze up to [the tall figure with shaggy - brown hair , dark - rimmed glasses]_{242-the tall figure with shaggy - brown hair , dark - rimmed glasses} , and a mustache so thick that it almost looks fake . Who knows , maybe it is . “ What are [you]_0-i looking for ? ”_{[240-a lanky guy]} [he]_{240-a lanky guy} asks while [he]_{240-a lanky guy} brings a sixty - four - ounce Slurpee cup to [his]_{240-a lanky guy} lips . “ Uh . ”_{[240-a lanky guy]} [I]_0-i glance around , then whisper , “ Room 209 . But [I]_0-i keep getting turned around because it does n’t seem like there ’s [a room 209]_{2050-a room 209} . ”_[0-i] A smile tugs at [his]_{240-a lanky guy} lips . “ [Scrabble nerd]_{2051-scrabble nerd} ? ”_[0-i] “ What ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . [He]_{240-a lanky guy} leans forward and whispers , “ It ’s okay . [I]_{240-a lanky guy} ’m part of [the SSS]_{64-the sss} . [Room 209]_{2052-room 209} is hidden for a reason . ”_{[240-a lanky guy]} SSS = [Secret Scrabble Society]_{243-secret scrabble society} . But the first rule about [SSS]_{64-the sss} is that [you]_244-you do n’t talk about it . At least , that ’s what it said in the invite [I]_0-i received last night . It was a letter delivered to [[my]_0-i dorm room]_{245-my dorm room} . A thick envelope sealed with wax with an SSS melted into the red liquid . When [I]_0-i saw the symbol , [I]_0-i quickly locked [my]_0-i door , turned off [my]_0-i lights , and switched on [my]_0-i desk lamp . With bated breath , [I]_0-i delicately opened the envelope and unfolded the sides , revealing the writing on the inside . [I]_0-i had been handpicked by [the SSS]_{246-the sss} to join [them]_{246-the sss} tonight . During the grueling , three - week tryout process , [I]_0-i played ruthless battles against [different members]_{247-different members} online . After a few losses , a few wins , and two ties , the tryouts were over , and all [I]_0-i had to do was wait . Well , that time has come . [I]_0-i have the invite in hand , and all it says is to show up to room 209 in [the Pine Dormitory]_{248-the pine dormitory} at 10:23 p.m. sharp , ask no questions , and say nothing . And then [I]_0-i ’m to knock with a specific pattern and provide the secret password to get in . But now that [I]_0-i ’m [here]_249-here , lost and confused , [I]_0-i feel like [I]_0-i ’m breaking the rules already . Unfortunately , time is ticking , and [I]_0-i have no idea how to proceed . [I]_0-i do n’t want to show up late , especially on the first night . But [I]_0-i ca n’t find [the room]_{250-the room} , and . . . [this guy with the stache and the Slurpee]_{251-this guy with the stache and the slurpee} seems like [he]_{251-this guy with the stache and the slurpee} knows what [he]_{251-this guy with the stache and the slurpee} ’s talking about . Ugh . . . but what if this is a test ? What if [he]_{251-this guy with the stache and the slurpee} was planted by [the SSS]_{246-the sss} , and [I]_0-i already failed because [I]_0-i mentioned room 209 and Scrabble and . . . God , [I]_0-i ’m a failure . Unsure of how to proceed , [I]_0-i rock on [my]_0-i feet , [my]_0-i hands twisting in front of [me]_0-i as [I]_0-i glance around [the hordes of people]_{253-the hordes of people} . What is going on in [here]_249-here anyway ? It ’s [a dorm hallway]_{255-a dorm hallway} , not [a cafeteria]_{256-a cafeteria} . Where are all [these people]_{257-these people} going ? [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i need to ditch [Slurpee Boy]_{65-slurpee boy} . [He]_{65-slurpee boy} knows too much already . And [I]_0-i will not put [my]_0-i position with [the SSS]_{246-the sss} in jeopardy . [I]_0-i worked way too hard for an invitation . “ [You]_{65-slurpee boy} know , it was nice talking to [you]_{65-slurpee boy} , but [I]_0-i think [I]_0-i ’ll just go look for [the room]_{250-the room} [myself]_0-i . Thanks . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i turn away and head for [a dark corridor]_{259-a dark corridor} , only for [him]_{65-slurpee boy} to call out , “ Not going to find [room 209 down there]_{2054-room 209 down there} . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [I]_0-i glance over [my]_0-i shoulder to see [him]_{65-slurpee boy} sipping on [his]_{65-slurpee boy} Slurpee with a smile , [his]_{65-slurpee boy} playful eyes intent on [my]_0-i annoyed expression . “ [I]_{65-slurpee boy} was n’t actually going that way , ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [I]_0-i respond with indignance . “ Seemed like [you]_{65-slurpee boy} were . ”_[0-i] “ [I]_{65-slurpee boy} was faking [you]_{65-slurpee boy} out . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} “ Were [you]_0-i now ? ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [he]_{65-slurpee boy} asks , that smile growing wider . “ Why would [you]_{65-slurpee boy} be faking [me]_{65-slurpee boy} out ? ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [I]_0-i straighten to face [him]_{65-slurpee boy} and raise [my]_0-i chin as [I]_0-i say , “ Because between [your]_{65-slurpee boy} ungodly thick mustache and [your]_{65-slurpee boy} shaggy hair , [you]_{65-slurpee boy} look like a predator . How can [I]_0-i be sure that [you]_{65-slurpee boy} ’re not attempting to snatch [me]_0-i up ? ”_[0-i] [His]_{65-slurpee boy} brows raise as [he]_{65-slurpee boy} runs [his]_{65-slurpee boy} fingers over [his]_{65-slurpee boy} mustache . “ [You]_0-i know , [you]_0-i ’re the third person who said [I]_{65-slurpee boy} ca n’t rock this mustache . [I]_{65-slurpee boy} thought [I]_{65-slurpee boy} was looking pretty legit . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [The man]_{260-the man} needs to get a better mirror . “ [Your]_0-i mustache is offensive . [I]_{65-slurpee boy} ’m pretty sure it would make even the most randy of [women]_2055-women go dry . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} The words fly out of [my]_0-i mouth before [I]_0-i can stop them . Lack of filter — it ’s [my]_0-i downfall . [I]_0-i wince as [his]_{65-slurpee boy} eyes nearly pop out of their sockets . Yeah , [I]_0-i was surprised too , [buddy]_261-buddy . “ Uh , [I]_261-buddy do n’t know — ”_[261-buddy] Before [I]_0-i can finish telling [him]_{65-slurpee boy} [I]_0-i ’m not quite sure where in the depths of [my]_0-i being that insult came out of , [he]_{65-slurpee boy} grips [his]_{65-slurpee boy} stomach , bends forward , and lets out a long - drawn - out laugh , [his]_{65-slurpee boy} Slurpee shaking in [his]_{65-slurpee boy} hand . Well , at least [he]_{65-slurpee boy} was n’t offended . [I]_0-i ’ve got that going for [me]_0-i . Either way , [I]_0-i do n’t have time for this . Moving past [him]_{65-slurpee boy} , [I]_0-i head down the right of [the hallway]_{262-the hallway} , where [I]_0-i find an unmarked door . Initially , when [I]_0-i was first looking around , [I]_0-i thought this was a [utility closet]_{263-utility closet} . But paying a little more attention to the door , [I]_0-i think there could be a faint marking of a number on the wall . Maybe . . . just maybe . . . it ’s what [I]_0-i ’m looking for . On a hopeful breath , [I]_0-i knock on the door three times and then kick the footer like [I]_0-i was told just as a tall figure closes in behind [me]_0-i . “ [You]_{264-the guy behind me} know , [I]_0-i ’ve never had [a girl]_{2056-a girl} tell [me]_0-i that [I]_0-i possess the uncanny ability to dehydrate the nether regions of the female race with just [my]_0-i facial hair . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i hold back [my]_0-i smile . “ Be glad [I]_0-i ’m honest . ”_[0-i] The door cracks open , and a single eyeball comes into view . “ Password . ”_{[264-the guy behind me]} “ Walla - walla - bing - bang , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i answer just as [the guy behind [me]_0-i]_{264-the guy behind me} leans forward over [my]_0-i shoulder . “ [You]_0-i missed the ching - chang part , ”_{[264-the guy behind me]} [he]_{264-the guy behind me} says . “ What ? No , [I]_{264-the guy behind me} did n’t . ”_{[264-the guy behind me]} “ [He]_{264-the guy behind me} ’s right , ”_{[265-the eyeball]} [the eyeball]_{265-the eyeball} says . “ Sorry , no entrance . ”_{[265-the eyeball]} “ Wait , no , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say as [I]_0-i prevent the eyeball from shutting the door . [I]_0-i pull the invite out from [my]_0-i pocket and say , “ [I]_0-i have the invitation . . . errr , [I]_0-i mean . . . ”_[0-i] Ugh , stupid , [Lia]_168-lia . [You]_168-lia ’re not supposed to show the invitation . Backpedal . “ Actually . . . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i slip the invite back into [my]_0-i pocket and fold [my]_0-i hands together . “ There is no invite , and [I]_0-i have no idea what this door leads to . [I]_0-i just know that [I]_0-i ’m supposed to be here at ten twenty - three , and [I]_0-i am , so therefore , [I]_0-i believe [I]_0-i should gain entrance . ”_[0-i] “ But [you]_0-i forgot the ching - chang , ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [Slurpee Boy]_{65-slurpee boy} says while sucking on [his]_{65-slurpee boy} straw . “ There was no ching - chang , ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [I]_0-i reply with aggravation . “ [It]_2057-it clearly said , knock three times , kick the footer , and then say walla - walla - bing - bang . [I]_0-i know this because [I]_0-i read the , uh . . . thing , twenty - seven times precisely . So either this is not the right door , which perhaps it ’s not , or [you]_168-lia two have not read the instructions [yourself]_168-lia , and in which case , [I]_0-i demand to speak to [an authoritative human]_{2058-an authoritative human} . ”_[0-i] “ [An authoritative human]_{2058-an authoritative human} ? ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [Slurpee Boy]_{65-slurpee boy} asks . “ Is that a professional term ? ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} “ Dumbing it down for [you]_{65-slurpee boy} , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say with snark . “ [You]_{65-slurpee boy} know , since [you]_{65-slurpee boy} have that look . ”_[0-i] “ What look ? ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [he]_{65-slurpee boy} asks . “ One that ’s lacking intelligence . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} Call it [my]_0-i nerves or [my]_0-i irritation , or just the fact that [I]_0-i ca n’t hold anything back , but [I]_0-i just let [my]_0-i insult fly . Thankfully , that smile of [his]_{65-slurpee boy} once again tugs on the corners of [his]_{65-slurpee boy} lips right before [he]_{65-slurpee boy} says to eyeball , “ [She]_2060-she ’s good , [man]_2061-man . Let [her]_2060-she in . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} “ What ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask , so utterly confused that [I]_0-i wonder if being part of [the SSS]_{64-the sss} is even worth it . But then the door opens , revealing [a very large room , larger than all [the other dorm rooms]_{267-the other dorm rooms} , and [it]_{266-a very large room , larger than all the other dorm rooms , and it ’s a haven to all the things i love} ’s a haven to all the things [I]_0-i love]_{266-a very large room , larger than all the other dorm rooms , and it ’s a haven to all the things i love} . Off to the right is a raised bed with a desk underneath which holds three computer screens , speakers , a massive keyboard as well as a giant mouse and mouse pad that expands the length of the desk . . . Lord of [the Rings themed]_{268-the rings themed} . Hanging on the beige walls are posters , flags , and framed art ranging from Star Wars to board games to a large yellow - and - blue model airplane suspended from the ceiling . To the left is a futon sofa with a coffee table and crates with cushions all along the edges . In the middle , a Scrabble board on a turntable — the fancy kind . [I]_0-i could totally spend an hour nerding out in [this room]_{269-this room} . The whole collection of Harry Potter books rests on the bookshelf — and they look like the originals . [My]_0-i mouth salivates . A framed poster of [Adam West]_{66-adam west} as [Batman]_67-batman hangs over the sofa , [Adam]_{66-adam west} standing tall with a “ Kerpow ”_{[66-adam west]} in comic detail directly behind [him]_{66-adam west} . And under the small television on a flimsy - looking TV stand is what looks to be an original Atari game console . If [the owner of [this residence]_{271-this residence}]_{270-the owner of this residence} owns [Pitfall]_2-pitfall , [we]_272-we will be [best friends]_{273-best friends} for life . “ Wow , [cool room]_{2062-cool room} , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say . The fantastic décor speaks to [my]_0-i geeky heart . And the precise organization , from the labeled folders on the bookshelf next to the desk to the stacked shoes on the shoe rack , is next level . “ Thanks , ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [Slurpee Boy]_{65-slurpee boy} says . “ It ’s [mine]_{65-slurpee boy} . [I]_{65-slurpee boy} ’m also [the authoritative person]_{2063-the authoritative person} , as [you]_0-i like to call it . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [He]_{65-slurpee boy} holds [his]_{65-slurpee boy} hand out . “ [Breaker Cane]_68-breaker . [It]_2064-it ’s nice to meet [you]_0-i . Maybe as [you]_0-i hang out with [us]_2065-us more , [you]_0-i can lower [yourself]_0-i to [my]_{65-slurpee boy} lack of intelligence on a more personal level . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [My]_0-i mouth goes dry . The tips of [my]_0-i ears go hot . And [I]_0-i feel a wave of sweat crest [my]_0-i upper lip . Good job , [Lia]_168-lia . Really good job . “ Uh , yeah . . . [I]_168-lia did n’t really mean — ”_[168-lia] “ No , no . Do n’t take it back . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [He]_{65-slurpee boy} holds up [his]_{65-slurpee boy} hand . “ [I]_{65-slurpee boy} like [your]_0-i brutal and brash honesty . Made [me]_{65-slurpee boy} feel alive . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [He]_{65-slurpee boy} winks . “ Oh , okay . In that case . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [I]_0-i clear [my]_0-i throat . “ Although [[your]_0-i room]_{2066-your room} seems like a dream to explore , [you]_0-i could have tucked the corners of [your]_0-i bed better , not quite ‘ [nurse]_2067-nurse ’s corner ’ tight , [your]_0-i framed picture of [Rory Gilmore]_{69-rory gilmore} is crooked , and [you]_0-i have to get rid of the mustache . It ’s atrocious . ”_[0-i] [He]_{65-slurpee boy} chuckles and nods while moving [his]_{65-slurpee boy} fingers over the bush beneath [his]_{65-slurpee boy} nose . “ Still trying to perfect [the nurse]_{2068-the nurse} ’s corner . If [you]_0-i have expertise in this endeavor , then , by all means , present a tutorial . [The room]_{250-the room} [I]_{65-slurpee boy} share a wall with plays music loud enough that [they]_2070-they force [Rory]_{69-rory gilmore} to dance , making [her]_{69-rory gilmore} crooked . [I]_{65-slurpee boy} ’ve given up . And the mustache , well , [I]_{65-slurpee boy} thought it looked good . Seems to [me]_{65-slurpee boy} [everyone]_{2071-everyone} ’s been lying to [me]_{65-slurpee boy} . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} “ [They]_{2071-everyone} have been . ”_[0-i] “ But [you]_0-i do n’t seem to have that ability . . . to lie to [someone]_2072-someone to forsake [their]_2072-someone feelings . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} “ Depends on the moment and [the person]_{2073-the person} . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i look [him]_{65-slurpee boy} up and down . “ [You]_0-i seemed sturdy enough to handle the truth , and also , stressful situations — [i.e.]_2074-i.e. not knowing where [the room]_{250-the room} was — snatching any social decorum [I]_0-i might have stored away . ”_[0-i] “ Well , that can only mean one thing . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} Confused , [I]_0-i ask , “ What ’s that ? ”_[0-i] “ That there is no other choice than to become [the greatest friends of all time]_{2076-the greatest friends of all time} . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i smirk . “ Only if [you]_{65-slurpee boy} shave . ”_[0-i] “ Ehhh , that ’s something [we]_2077-we might have to work out . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [He]_{65-slurpee boy} rocks on [his]_{65-slurpee boy} feet and continues , “ Given that [you]_0-i are [the only new recruit to [the Secret Scrabble Society]_{2079-the secret scrabble society}]_{2078-the only new recruit to the secret scrabble society} , [you]_0-i must be [Ophelia Fairweather - Fern]_70-ophelia . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} “ That would be [me]_{65-slurpee boy} . But just call [me]_{65-slurpee boy} [Lia]_168-lia . [My]_{65-slurpee boy} entire name is far too many syllables for [anyone]_2080-anyone to carry around , let alone [my]_{65-slurpee boy} first name . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [He]_{65-slurpee boy} chuckles . “ [Your]_0-i name was a check in the plus column during tryouts . But [your]_0-i brutal use of words [we]_2077-we ’ve never even heard of was the real reason [you]_0-i were chosen , especially since [we]_2077-we play on a timer . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} “ That was an added challenge [I]_{65-slurpee boy} appreciated . Although the timer startled [me]_{65-slurpee boy} at first and took a second for [me]_{65-slurpee boy} to get used to . That and not being able to see [your]_0-i new letters or the gameboard until [your]_0-i turn started . [I]_{65-slurpee boy} had a lot of fun . [I]_{65-slurpee boy} ’m glad [I]_{65-slurpee boy} was chosen . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} “ It was an easy choice . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} [He]_{65-slurpee boy} sets [his]_{65-slurpee boy} Slurpee cup down . “ [Everyone]_{2071-everyone} , this is [Lia]_168-lia . [Lia]_168-lia , that ’s [Harley]_71-harley , [Jarome]_72-jarome , [Christine]_73-christine , and [Imani]_74-imani . ”_{[65-slurpee boy]} From where [they]_274-they ’re seated at the coffee table , [they]_274-they all raise [their]_274-they hands for a brief hello and then return to the gameboard . “ Yeah , [they]_274-they ’re not really social . ”_[274-they] “ Well , good thing [I]_0-i did n’t come here to socialize . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i rub [my]_0-i hands together . “ [I]_68-breaker came to play . ”_[68-breaker] [Breaker]_68-breaker chuckles and then reaches for [his]_68-breaker Slurpee again . “ Then what are [we]_2082-we waiting for ? Game on . ”_[68-breaker]

* * *

[I]_0-i stare [Breaker]_68-breaker down and then glance at the last two tiles on [my]_0-i shelf . [He]_68-breaker has one tile left . [The room]_{250-the room} has cleared out . [The rest of [the SSS]_{246-the sss}]_{276-the rest of the sss} has left , claiming early morning classes . “ [Your]_0-i move , ”_[68-breaker] [he]_68-breaker says while purposely running [his]_68-breaker finger over [his]_68-breaker mustache . [I]_0-i ’d dominated this entire game until about three moves ago when [he]_68-breaker somehow pulled out an eighty - point word , completely shattering [my]_0-i lead . “ [I]_68-breaker know it ’s [my]_68-breaker move . ”_[68-breaker] “ Really , because [you]_68-breaker ’ve been sitting there catatonic for at least five minutes . ”_[68-breaker] “ [I]_68-breaker ’m making sure [I]_68-breaker have the right move . ”_[68-breaker] “ Or any move at all . ”_[68-breaker] [He]_68-breaker leans back on the sofa , a smug look painted across [his]_68-breaker face . “ [I]_68-breaker have a move . ”_[68-breaker] “ One that wo n’t win [you]_0-i the game , though , right ? ”_[68-breaker] [he]_68-breaker presses . [He]_68-breaker knows [he]_68-breaker has this game . It ’s evident in [his]_68-breaker cocky disposition . “ [You]_0-i know , it ’s not polite to gloat . ”_[68-breaker] “ This coming from [the girl who was dancing only a few minutes ago because [she]_{2083-the girl who was dancing only a few minutes ago because she had a tremendous lead on me} had a tremendous lead on [me]_0-i]_{2083-the girl who was dancing only a few minutes ago because she had a tremendous lead on me} . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i slowly look up at [him]_68-breaker and , in a deadpan voice , say , “ It will behoove [you]_68-breaker to know that [I]_0-i can dish it , but [I]_0-i ca n’t take it . ”_[0-i] [He]_68-breaker lets out a low chuckle as [I]_0-i reluctantly place an E after a W for a measly five points . “ Nice move . ”_[68-breaker] [He]_68-breaker stares down at [his]_68-breaker single tile and then lifts it dramatically , only to place an S after [Huzzah]_75-huzzah , giving [him]_68-breaker thirty - one points . “ But not good enough . ”_[68-breaker] [He]_68-breaker leans back again and crosses [his]_68-breaker leg over [his]_68-breaker knee . “ [I]_68-breaker win . ”_[68-breaker] [I]_0-i groan and flop backward onto the floor . Staring up at [[his]_68-breaker model airplane]_{278-his model airplane} , [I]_0-i say , “ [I]_0-i had [you]_68-breaker . ”_[0-i] “ Never celebrate too early . [You]_68-breaker never know what can happen at the end of a Scrabble game . ”_[0-i] “ That ’s such a cheap move by the way , holding on to an S to the very end . ”_[0-i] “ How did [you]_0-i know [I]_0-i was holding on to it ? ”_[0-i] “ Because [I]_0-i watched [you]_68-breaker pick up the tile a while ago and set it to the side . ”_[0-i] “ Do n’t tell [me]_0-i [you]_68-breaker ’re [one of [those players]_{2085-those players}]_{2084-one of those players} . [The one who counts the tiles]_{2086-the one who counts the tiles} and knows what [everyone]_{2071-everyone} could possibly have . ”_[0-i] “ Not to that extent , but [I]_0-i watched [you]_68-breaker baby that tile and not touch it until now . [You]_68-breaker saved it on purpose . ”_[0-i] “ When [you]_68-breaker ’re trailing by eighty points , [you]_68-breaker have to be strategic , and [I]_0-i was . No shame in playing the game . ”_[0-i] “ [I]_0-i hate to admit it since [you]_68-breaker won , but it was a good game . [I]_0-i enjoyed the challenge . ”_[0-i] “ It was a good game . [You]_68-breaker ’re going to fit in nicely here . ”_[279-he] [He]_279-he starts picking up the board , and [I]_0-i lift to help [him]_279-he . “ [Your]_279-he application said [you]_279-he ’re majoring in research and statistics . What ’s the plan after college ? ”_[0-i] “ Getting [my]_279-he master ’s and then becoming [a survey research specialist]_{2088-a survey research specialist} . ”_[279-he] [He]_279-he pauses . “ That ’s really specific , ”_[68-breaker] [Breaker]_68-breaker says . “ And not a job [you]_68-breaker hear on a list of what [you]_68-breaker want to be when [you]_68-breaker grow up . ”_[68-breaker] “ Not so much , but [I]_68-breaker ’ve always been into surveys . Growing up , [I]_68-breaker loved filling them out . [I]_68-breaker spent a great deal of time filling out every survey [[my]_68-breaker parents]_{2089-my parents} came across . [I]_68-breaker loved the idea of [someone]_2072-someone being able to listen to [me]_68-breaker and gather information to make a change . And of course , [I]_68-breaker would make surveys on [my]_68-breaker own , handwritten ones on construction paper , and pass them around at family gatherings to see how [everyone]_{2071-everyone} enjoyed [themselves]_{2071-everyone} . Then [I]_68-breaker would draw up a report and send out an end - of - the - year letter , showing [everyone]_{2071-everyone} where [we]_2093-we excelled and where [we]_2093-we could improve . ”_[68-breaker] [Breaker]_68-breaker smirks . “ And did [you]_68-breaker find out anything constructive from these family surveys ? ”_[68-breaker] “ Yes . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i nod as [I]_0-i hand [him]_68-breaker the last few tiles that need to be picked up . “ Whenever [[my]_0-i uncle]_{2094-my uncle} [Steve]_{76-uncle steve} decided to take [his]_{76-uncle steve} pants off after dinner , it always led to [him]_{76-uncle steve} doing the invisible hula hoop on top of the cleared - off dining table — which [no one]_{2095-no one} relished . [I]_0-i made sure to convey this to [the family]_{2096-the family} and [Uncle Steve]_{76-uncle steve} , but unfortunately , [I]_0-i have no control over [their]_{2096-the family} behavior . [I]_0-i can only survey what needs to change . Changes are made from within . ”_[0-i] “ [Uncle Steve]_{76-uncle steve} sounds like a good time . ”_[0-i] “ [He]_{76-uncle steve} had a mustache . . . and [he]_{76-uncle steve} ’s known as [the pervert in [the family]_{2096-the family}]_{2097-the pervert in the family} . So yeah , maybe [[you]_2099-you two]_{2100-you two} would get along . ”_[68-breaker] “ Not [a pervert]_{2101-a pervert} , ”_[68-breaker] [Breaker]_68-breaker says while packing up the rest of the game . “ That has yet to be determined . ”_[68-breaker] “ Can [we]_{2100-you two} make a quick assessment because [I]_68-breaker can assure [you]_0-i , [I]_68-breaker ’m not [a pervert]_{2101-a pervert} . ”_[68-breaker] [He]_68-breaker sets the board game to the side and then leans back on [his]_68-breaker futon while [I]_0-i press [my]_0-i weight on [my]_0-i hands behind [me]_0-i . [I]_0-i should probably leave . [Everyone else]_{280-everyone else} has , but for some reason , [I]_0-i feel comfortable [here]_249-here , and [I]_0-i do n’t want to leave just yet . “ If [you]_0-i wish . ”_[68-breaker] [He]_68-breaker touches [his]_68-breaker nose and points at [me]_0-i . “ [I]_68-breaker believe the phrase [you]_0-i ’re reaching for is , as [you]_0-i wish . ”_[68-breaker] “ [Princess Bride fan]_{2103-princess bride fan} , are [we]_2104-we ? ”_[68-breaker] “ What ’s there not to be a fan of ? Revenge , swords , master tales of times before . It ’s got it all . Not to mention . . . [Fred Savage]_{77-fred savage} . ”_[68-breaker] “ [I]_68-breaker actually agree , which puts a check mark in [your]_0-i column of not being [a pervert]_{2101-a pervert} . ”_[68-breaker] [He]_68-breaker fist - pumps to [himself]_68-breaker , which makes [me]_0-i chuckle . “ But that ’s only one check mark . There are more questions . ”_[68-breaker] “ Hit [me]_68-breaker . Watch [me]_68-breaker pass with flying colors . ”_[68-breaker] “ [We]_2104-we shall see about that . Have [you]_0-i ever , since [you]_0-i ’ve donned the mustache , peeped into [someone]_2072-someone ’s window , preferably the sex [you]_0-i ’re attracted to ? ”_[68-breaker] “ That would be [women]_2055-women , and no . ”_[68-breaker] “ Good answer . Next question , have [you]_0-i ever felt the need to walk into [the ladies ’ room]_{2108-the ladies ’ room} because [you]_0-i wanted to take a gander ? ”_[68-breaker] “ [I]_0-i ’ve heard there are way more stalls , which [I]_0-i ’m jealous of because sometimes [I]_0-i just like to sit and pee . But no , [I]_0-i have not . ”_[0-i] [My]_0-i brows pull together . “ Sit and pee ? ”_[68-breaker] [He]_68-breaker shrugs . “ [I]_68-breaker get lazy . ”_[68-breaker] “ Okay , seems like more work to sit down and pee , but to each [their]_2109-their own . One more question . Have [you]_0-i ever started a club for [men with mustaches]_{2110-men with mustaches} and purchased mini mustache combs and creams so [you]_0-i can have mustache care parties ? ”_[68-breaker] “ Wow , now that sounds like a good fucking time , but no , [I]_68-breaker have not . ”_[68-breaker] [He]_68-breaker drapes [his]_68-breaker arms along the back of the futon . “ So . . . have [you]_0-i deduced that [I]_68-breaker ’m not [a pervert]_{2101-a pervert} ? ”_[68-breaker] “ Temporarily . [I]_68-breaker ’m putting [you]_0-i on probation . ”_[68-breaker] “ That ’s fair . ”_[68-breaker] [He]_68-breaker places one leg over the other . “ But [I]_68-breaker do need to ask a few rapid - fire questions , just to double - check . ”_[68-breaker] “ Hit [me]_68-breaker . ”_[68-breaker] “ [Favorite singer or band]_{2112-favorite singer or band} ? ”_[68-breaker] “ [Blondie]_78-blondie . ”_[68-breaker] “ Really ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask , surprised . “ Yup . ”_[68-breaker] [He]_68-breaker pops the P , looking so relaxed that , in return , [he]_68-breaker makes [me]_0-i feel comfortable . “ Obsessed . ”_[68-breaker] “ Okay , good answer . How about favorite candy ? ”_[68-breaker] “ Smarties because [I]_0-i ’m smart , and [I]_0-i think [they]_2113-they make [me]_0-i feel extra clever . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i chuckle . “ [I]_0-i guess that ’s a good reason . Favorite TV show ? ”_[0-i] “ Wonder Years . [Hence]_79-hence , [the Fred Savage]_{77-fred savage} comment earlier . Love [him]_{77-fred savage} . Second to [Wonder Years]_{80-wonder years} is [Boy Meets World]_{81-boy meets world} , as fuck , did [I]_68-breaker crush on [Topanga]_82-topanga so goddamn hard . And of course , [Cory]_83-cory is [[my]_68-breaker man]_{2114-my man} crush . ”_[68-breaker] “ Fan of [the Savage brothers]_{2115-the savage brothers} ? ”_[68-breaker] “ [They]_{2115-the savage brothers} ’re [my]_0-i ride or die . ”_[0-i] “ Makes [you]_0-i seem very relatable . ”_[282-his] [He]_282-his drags [his]_282-his finger over [his]_282-his mustache as [he]_282-his says , “ Stick around , [Lia]_168-lia . [You]_168-lia ’ll see just how relatable [a finance major]_{2116-a finance major} with a penchant to crash [[his]_{2116-a finance major} model airplane]_{278-his model airplane} every time [he flies]_{2118-he flies} [it]_{278-his model airplane} is . ”_[282-his] “ [I]_0-i always thought [Shawn]_84-shawn was whiny . ”_[0-i] “ Join [the club]_{2119-the club} , ”_[68-breaker] [Breaker]_68-breaker says with an eye roll . “ Thoughts on [Mr. Turner]_{85-mr. turner} ’s mullet ? ”_[68-breaker] “ Hot , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i answer . “ So if [I]_0-i were to , let ’s say . . . grow this hair out to be a mullet , what would [your]_282-his thoughts be on that ? ”_[0-i] “ Pitiful , get [your]_0-i own look . ”_[282-his] [He]_282-his chuckles . “ [Man]_2061-man , [you]_2061-man sure know how to bring [a man]_{2121-a man} down to [his]_{2121-a man} knees . ”_[282-his] “ Apparently , it ’s what [I]_0-i do best . ”_[0-i] “ Apparently , [I]_282-his like that about [you]_0-i , though . ”_[282-his] [He]_282-his moves [his]_282-his teeth over [his]_282-his lip before saying , “ So , [Lia]_168-lia , what did [you]_168-lia think about tonight ? Have fun ? ”_[282-his] “ [I]_0-i had a lot of fun . ”_[0-i] Not wanting to sound like too much of [a loser]_{283-a loser} , [I]_0-i gently say , “ It ’s been hard meeting [people]_2122-people here , [you]_282-his know , [people who are on the same level as [me]_0-i]_{2123-people who are on the same level as me} . [I]_0-i just recently transferred , so not coming in as [a freshman and making friends]_{2124-a freshman and making friends} has been a challenge . [Although”—I]_{86-although”—i[0-i]} glance around [his]_282-his room—“I do feel comfortable [here]_249-here , despite [these dwellings]_{2126-these dwellings} belonging to a mustache . ”_[0-i] “ [I]_0-i ’m going to take that as a compliment . And meeting [new people]_{2127-new people} is hard . Took [me]_0-i a second to figure it all out too . [They]_2128-they always say college is where [you]_282-his get to reinvent [yourself]_282-his and find [like - minded people]_{2129-like - minded people} . Well , [they]_2128-they do n’t tell [you]_282-his it does n’t happen immediately . [I]_0-i ’m [a junior]_{2130-a junior} now and feel like [I]_0-i ’ve just hit [my]_0-i stride . ”_[0-i] “ Same . [No one]_{2095-no one} seems to like spending countless hours poring over a game of Scrabble or knitting hats for cats . ”_[282-his] “ Hats for cats ? ”_[282-his] “ Quite fetching . [I]_0-i sell them to [old ladies who think dressing up [their]_{2132-old ladies who think dressing up their cats} cats]_{2132-old ladies who think dressing up their cats} is fun . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i shrug . “ Started it for some side cash , but now , [I]_0-i ’m invested . But yeah , tonight reminded [me]_0-i that there are [like - minded people out there for [me]_0-i]_{2133-like - minded people out there for me} , making [me]_0-i feel like [myself]_0-i for the first time in a long time . ”_[0-i] [His]_284-i expression softens . “ [I]_284-i ’m glad , [Lia]_168-lia . ”_[284-i] [He]_284-i strokes the hair under [his]_284-i nose and says , “ [I]_284-i bet a lot of [you]_0-i feeling comfortable has to do with the mustache . ”_[284-i] “ It ’s not the mustache , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i answer with feigned irritation . [He]_284-i chuckles . “ Do [you]_0-i have [a boyfriend]_{2134-a boyfriend} ? ”_[284-i] When [I]_0-i eye [him]_284-i skeptically , [he]_284-i holds [his]_284-i hand up . “ Not because [I]_284-i ’m getting all pervy on [you]_0-i , just genuinely curious . ”_[284-i] “ [I]_284-i did until [he]_{2134-a boyfriend} broke up with [me]_284-i and told [me]_284-i [I]_284-i was lame because [I]_284-i started a fan fiction for [Supernatural]_{87-supernatural} . [I]_284-i was into different things than [he]_{2134-a boyfriend} was , so it was hard to connect . Does n’t seem like [I]_284-i can find [many people at all who understand the desire to make [Sam]_88-sam and [Dean]_89-dean]_{2135-many people at all who understand the desire to make sam and dean} not [brothers , but rather . . . secret lovers]_{2136-brothers , but rather . . . secret lovers} . ”_[284-i] [His]_284-i eyes widen , and [he]_284-i lowers both legs to the ground as [he]_284-i says , “ Hold the fuck on . . . [you]_0-i ’re [the author of Lovers]_{2137-the author of lovers} , [Not Brothers]_{2138-not brothers} ? ”_[284-i] “ Wait . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i sit up taller . “ [You]_0-i ’ve heard of it ? ”_[0-i] “ Heard of it ? ”_[284-i] [he]_284-i nearly shouts and then lowers [his]_284-i body to the ground , so now [we]_285-we ’re at eye level . “ [Lia]_168-lia , that shit is addicting . [I]_284-i ’m not even gay , but [Jesus Christ]_{90-jesus christ} , [their]_2139-their first kiss was the best fucking thing [I]_284-i ’ve ever read . [I]_284-i had actual sweat forming on the back of [my]_284-i neck while [Dean]_89-dean slowly rubbed [his]_89-dean nose along [Sam]_88-sam ’s jaw , waiting for the cue that [Sam]_88-sam was ready . And then . . . when [their]_2139-their mouths collided , [I]_284-i let out a fucking wallop of a cheer . The sexual tension was unnerving . ”_[284-i] “ And [you]_0-i did n’t think it was weird that [we]_285-we know [them]_2139-their as [brothers]_{2140-brothers} in real life ? ”_[286-i] “ Is n’t that what fan fiction is all about ? Creating a world that ’s separate from the original ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i smile . “ [You]_286-i get it . ”_[0-i] “ Of course [I]_286-i get it . [I]_286-i ’m not [a moron]_{2141-a moron} . ”_[286-i] [He]_286-i pushes [his]_286-i hand through [his]_286-i shaggy hair . “ [Christ]_{90-jesus christ} , [you]_284-i need to write some more . That was some good shit . [I]_286-i ’ll never forget the scene when [Dean]_89-dean is naked , gripping [his]_89-dean penis , and singing Eye of the Tiger to [Sam]_88-sam as [he]_89-dean closes in . ”_[286-i] [He]_286-i kisses the tips of [his]_286-i fingers . “ [Chef]_91-chef ’s kiss . ”_[286-i] Jokingly , [I]_0-i ask , “ Are [you]_286-i fanboying over [me]_0-i ? ”_[0-i] “ Got a problem with that ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i shake [my]_0-i head , then whisper , “ [I]_0-i ca n’t believe [you]_286-i ’ve read it . ”_[0-i] “ [I]_0-i ca n’t believe [you]_286-i wrote it . ”_[0-i] And then [we]_287-we stare at [each other]_{288-each other} for a few moments . Silence fills [the room]_{250-the room} , an unspoken truth forming between [us]_287-we — this is the start of something new . “ [Breaker]_68-breaker ? ”_[0-i] “ Yeah ? ”_[0-i] Shyly , [I]_0-i ask , “ Will [you]_286-i be [[my]_0-i friend]_{2142-my friend} ? ”_[0-i] That smile of [his]_286-i [I]_0-i ’ve grown to know tonight widens . “ Are [you]_286-i asking [me]_286-i to start a . . . friendship with [you]_286-i ? ”_[286-i] “ [I]_286-i believe [I]_286-i am . Is that weird ? [I]_286-i mean , [we]_287-we barely know [each other]_{288-each other} . [I]_286-i find [your]_286-i mustache absolutely repulsive , but [our]_287-we commonalities are endless at this point . The fact [we]_287-we can agree that [the Winchester brothers]_{2144-the winchester brothers} being [lovers]_2145-lovers is erotic is unprecedented . [I]_286-i believe that means [we]_287-we need to be [friends]_2146-friends . ”_[286-i] [He]_286-i slowly nods . “ [I]_286-i believe it ’s imperative . ”_[286-i] [I]_0-i hold up [my]_0-i hand . “ And [friends]_2146-friends only because that mustache has ruined any sexual feeling [I]_0-i might have toward [you]_286-i . ”_[0-i] “ [I]_286-i understand . [I]_286-i knew the risks of what could happen if [I]_286-i adorned facial hair solely along [my]_286-i upper lip . ”_[286-i] [He]_286-i holds [his]_286-i hand out . “ [Friends]_2146-friends ? ”_[286-i] [I]_0-i take [his]_286-i hand in [mine]_0-i . “ [Friends]_2146-friends . ”_[0-i]

Chapter One

BREAKER

Present day . . .

“ Got somewhere important to be ? ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp asks [me]_0-i from across [the plane]_{290-the plane} , [his]_92-jp eyes fixed on [my]_0-i bouncing leg . “ Just eager to get the hell away from [you]_92-jp , ”_[92-jp] [I]_0-i answer , a typical brother response . “ Cute . ”_[92-jp] [He]_92-jp lets out a deep sigh . “ [I]_92-jp hate being away from [Kelsey]_113-kelsey , but the trip to [New York]_{4-new york} was good , right ? Setting up [[our]_291-our second [rent - controlled building]_{2151-rent - controlled building}]_{2150-our second rent - controlled building} feels good . ”_[92-jp] A few months ago , [JP]_92-jp approached [me]_0-i and [[our]_291-our other brother]_{292-our other brother} , [Huxley]_92-jp , about utilizing [our]_291-our fortune for good and offering [some rent - controlled buildings in [major cities]_{294-major cities}]_{293-some rent - controlled buildings in major cities} . [The buildings]_{295-the buildings} would offer [a safe , clean , and fresh place to live]_{296-a safe , clean , and fresh place to live} , providing assistance to [those who might need it]_{297-those who might need it} — like daycare facilities for [single parents]_{298-single parents} , financial classes , and access to a market with wholesale food . The point of the project is to help [those who need it the most]_{299-those who need it the most} . It ’s been a successful and rewarding venture . “ It does feel good , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say as [I]_0-i pull [my]_0-i phone from [my]_0-i pocket while [the plane]_{290-the plane} taxis to [the bunker]_{301-the bunker} . [I]_0-i open the text thread [I]_0-i have with [Lia]_168-lia , and [I]_0-i shoot [her]_168-lia a quick text . Breaker : [Landed]_5-landed . Picking up the goods . [You]_302-you have everything cued up and ready to go ? [My]_0-i phone buzzes right away with a reply . [Lia]_168-lia : [I]_0-i ’ve been ready , just waiting on [you]_302-you . [Breaker]_68-breaker : Sorry , poor weather held [us]_303-us up . Be there soon . “ Who are [you]_0-i texting over [there]_2152-there ? ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp asks , trying to get a look at [my]_0-i phone . “ [Lia]_168-lia , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i answer . “ Ahhh , ”_[92-jp] [he]_92-jp announces with realization heavy in [his]_92-jp tone . “ That ’s why [you]_0-i ’re so eager to get off [the plane]_{290-the plane} . [You]_0-i want to go spend time with [[your]_0-i girl]_{2154-your girl} . ”_[92-jp] “ First of all , [she]_168-lia ’s not [[my]_92-jp girl]_{2155-my girl} , [she]_168-lia ’s [[my]_92-jp best friend]_{2156-my best friend} , and if [I]_92-jp have to keep saying that to [you]_0-i , [I]_92-jp ’m going to fucking explode . And secondly , [she]_168-lia just got a brand - new glass Yahtzee that [we]_2157-we ’ve been dying to play . ”_[92-jp] “ Glass Yahtzee ? ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp asks . “ That seems like an extremely bad idea . Is n’t the point of [Yahtzee]_{93-glass yahtzee} to shake the dice ? ”_[92-jp] “ Yes , but this presents another level of a challenge : shake the dice without breaking the cup . ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp stares at [me]_0-i , [his]_92-jp face devoid of expression . “ [You]_0-i ’re going to slice [your]_0-i hands open . Does this glass Yahtzee come with a warning ? ”_[92-jp] “ Yes , of course . It ’s a play - at - [your]_0-i - own - risk situation . And [we]_2157-we want to risk it . Do n’t worry , though . [Lia]_168-lia has prepared a hard surface with a blanket . [We]_2157-we ’re being smart . ”_[92-jp] “ Being smart would not be playing [glass Yahtzee]_{93-glass yahtzee} , ”_[92-jp] [he]_92-jp mutters while shaking [his]_92-jp head . “ Do not call [me]_92-jp when [you]_0-i need stitches . ”_[92-jp] “ Not like [you]_0-i would answer the phone if [I]_92-jp did . ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp rolls [his]_92-jp eyes in a dramatic fashion . “ [I]_92-jp ’m [a newlywed]_{2158-a newlywed} , for fuck ’s sake . Sorry if [I]_92-jp want to spend every waking moment with [[my]_92-jp wife]_{2159-my wife} . ”_[92-jp] “ [I]_0-i do n’t think [you]_92-jp actually are sorry , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say just as [the plane]_{290-the plane} parks and [the flight attendant]_{305-the flight attendant} opens the door and lets down [the stairs]_{306-the stairs} . [I]_0-i gather [my]_0-i bag and move past [JP]_92-jp to the exit , where [I]_0-i stop suddenly . [Huxley]_92-jp , [[our]_307-our older brother]_{308-our older brother} , steps out of [[his]_92-jp car]_{309-his car} , shuts the door , and leans against it with [his]_92-jp arms crossed . Sunglasses cover [his]_92-jp eyes , but it does n’t hide the scowl on [his]_92-jp forehead or the tension [he]_92-jp ’s wearing under [his]_92-jp perfectly tailored suit . “ Uh , [JP]_92-jp ? Why is [Huxley]_92-jp here , looking like [he]_92-jp ’s ready to kill ? ”_[92-jp] “ What ? ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp asks as [he]_92-jp moves toward [the exit]_{310-the exit} as well . [He]_92-jp pokes [his]_92-jp head out and says , “ [I]_92-jp do n’t know . Did [he]_92-jp text [us]_312-us ? ”_[92-jp] Instead of exiting [the plane]_{290-the plane} to see what the issue is , [we]_312-us both search through [our]_312-us phones for a text message or email and come up short . “ Nothing , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say . “ Fuck , ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp says . “ That only means one thing . Whatever [he]_92-jp needs to tell [us]_312-us , [he]_92-jp does n’t want to be traced . ”_[92-jp] “ What ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ [Dude]_2160-dude , [you]_2160-dude ’ve been watching too many secret operative shows . That is not why [he]_92-jp ’s here in person . Maybe . . . maybe it ’s good news . Maybe [he]_92-jp has something special to tell [us]_312-us and wants to see [our]_312-us reactions in person . ”_[0-i] “ How does it feel living in a realm where unicorn crap tastes like strawberry ice cream ? ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp gestures toward [Huxley]_92-jp . “ Look at [him]_92-jp , the scowl . [He]_92-jp ’s not here to pet [our]_312-us heads and tell [us]_312-us what [good boys]_{2161-good boys} [we]_312-us ’ve been . Clearly , [we]_312-us fucked up somehow . Just have to figure out how . ”_[92-jp] “ Will [you]_312-us two get the fuck down here and stop gabbing ? ”_[92-jp] [Huxley]_92-jp yells . “ [Dude]_2160-dude , [my]_92-jp balls just shivered , ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp says , gripping [my]_0-i shoulder . “ [My]_92-jp penis totally just turtled . ”_[92-jp] [I]_0-i step to the side and push [JP]_92-jp forward . “ [You]_92-jp first , [you]_92-jp ’re older . [You]_92-jp ’ve experienced more life than [me]_0-i . ”_[0-i] “ Barely , ”_[92-jp] [he]_92-jp says , trying to move [me]_0-i toward the exit first , but [I]_0-i plant [my]_0-i feet on the floor and hold steady . Since [JP]_92-jp ’s been married , [I]_0-i ’ve spent more time at [the gym]_{313-the gym} while [he]_92-jp ’s spent more time in [Kelsey]_113-kelsey — with all due respect — so [I]_0-i have a few pounds of muscle over [him]_92-jp at the moment . “ Just get out there before [he]_92-jp gets even madder . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i push at [JP]_92-jp . “ [You]_92-jp know how [he]_92-jp hates when [we]_2163-we — in [his]_92-jp terms — clown around . ”_[0-i] “ Quit clowning around , ”_[92-jp] [Huxley]_92-jp yells . “ See , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i whisper - shout . “ Do n’t push [me]_92-jp , ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp says , leaning [his]_92-jp weight into [me]_0-i , [his]_92-jp back to [my]_0-i chest . “ [You]_0-i ’re going to make [me]_92-jp tumble down the stairs . ”_[92-jp] “ Oh , good idea . If [you]_0-i tumble down , then there ’s a good chance [you]_0-i could get injured , and whatever [he]_92-jp ’s here for will be put on a momentary pause while [we]_2163-we assess [your]_0-i injuries . That will give [us]_2163-we some thinking time . And maybe if [you]_0-i ’re willing to break a bone , that will grant [us]_2163-we at least a few days . ”_[92-jp] “ Oh yeah , let [me]_92-jp just throw [myself]_92-jp down the stairs . ”_[92-jp] “ That ’s the spirit , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say while patting [him]_92-jp on the back . “ Close [your]_92-jp eyes . It will be over in a second . ”_[0-i] “ [Jesus Christ]_{90-jesus christ} , ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp mutters before [he]_92-jp makes [his]_92-jp way down [the stairs]_{306-the stairs} . [I]_0-i follow closely . “ Oh , [I]_0-i see , going to fall closer to the ground . Smart . ”_[0-i] “ [I]_0-i ’m not going to fall , [[you]_92-jp idiot]_{2164-you idiot} . ”_[0-i] When [we]_315-we reach the ground , [Huxley]_92-jp opens the back car door to [his]_92-jp Tesla S and says , “ Get in . ”_[92-jp] [I]_0-i can hear [JP]_92-jp gulp as [I]_0-i say , “ [You]_92-jp sure [you]_92-jp do n’t want to at least fake an injury ? ”_[0-i] “ [I]_92-jp think it ’s too late , [man]_2061-man , ”_[92-jp] [he]_92-jp says as [he]_92-jp climbs into [the car]_{316-the car} , and [I]_0-i follow . Once [we]_315-we ’re in the back , [Huxley]_92-jp slams the door , causing [JP]_92-jp and [me]_0-i to flinch . When [Huxley]_92-jp climbs in the front seat , [he]_92-jp does n’t bother to look at [us]_315-we . Instead , [he]_92-jp grips the steering wheel and lets out a long , pent - up breath . A sigh of discontent . Great . After a few seconds , [he]_92-jp turns to face [us]_315-we and says , “ Has [Taylor]_94-taylor been in touch with [you]_0-i ? ”_[92-jp] “ [Taylor]_94-taylor , as in [[our]_315-we lawyer]_{2166-our lawyer} ? ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp asks . “ Yes , [[our]_315-we lawyer]_{2166-our lawyer} . ”_[92-jp] [We]_315-we shake [our]_315-we heads . “ No , [I]_0-i have n’t gotten anything , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say . “ What ’s going on ? ”_[0-i] [JP]_92-jp asks , [his]_92-jp voice growing serious . “ [We]_315-we ’re being sued for misconduct in [the workplace]_{2168-the workplace} . ”_[92-jp] “ What ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i shout . “ By whom ? ”_[0-i] [Huxley]_92-jp lifts [his]_92-jp sunglasses , and [his]_92-jp eyes narrow in on [me]_0-i . “ [[Your]_92-jp former employee]_{2169-your former employee} . ”_[92-jp] “ Uh , excuse [me]_0-i ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i blink a few times . “ What the hell for ? ”_[0-i] “ Let ’s see , hostile work environment and wrongful termination . ”_[92-jp] “ Wait . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i shake [my]_0-i head , trying to get a grip on what [he]_92-jp ’s saying . “ Who the hell was this ? ”_[0-i] “ [Gemma Shoemacher]_95-gemma . ”_[92-jp] “ [Shoemacher]_95-gemma ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask , eyes wide and disbelief heavy in [my]_0-i tone . “ As in [the girl who would secretly slip into [[my]_0-i office]_{2171-my office} , rearrange [my]_0-i shit , hang up pictures of [[her]_{2170-the girl who would secretly slip into my office , rearrange my shit , hang up pictures of her relatives , decorate for holidays , and then just leave} relatives]_{2172-her relatives} , decorate for holidays , and then just leave]_{2170-the girl who would secretly slip into my office , rearrange my shit , hang up pictures of her relatives , decorate for holidays , and then just leave} ? [The absolute psycho who would corner [me]_0-i in [the break room]_{2174-the break room} and ask [me]_0-i when [my]_0-i next dentist appointment was so [she]_{2170-the girl who would secretly slip into my office , rearrange my shit , hang up pictures of her relatives , decorate for holidays , and then just leave} could watch [me]_0-i get [my]_0-i teeth cleaned]_{2173-the absolute psycho who would corner me in the break room and ask me when my next dentist appointment was so she could watch me get my teeth cleaned} ? The girl who made [me]_0-i [an advent calendar for Christmas and inside each box]_{2175-an advent calendar for christmas and inside each box} was homemade thumbnail drawings of [me]_0-i ? [That girl]_{2176-that girl} ? ”_[0-i] “ Were the drawings good ? ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp asks . “ How the fuck is that relevant ? ”_[92-jp] [I]_0-i ask [him]_92-jp , losing [my]_0-i temper . [JP]_92-jp shrugs . “ Just genuinely curious . ”_[92-jp] “ [I]_0-i mean . . . watercolor on a small surface is quite difficult , so maybe — ”_[0-i] “ Enough about the paintings , ”_[92-jp] [Huxley]_92-jp says . “ This is fucking serious . Not only has [she]_{2176-that girl} sued [us]_2177-we , but [she]_{2176-that girl} ’s also soiling [our]_2177-we reputation on social media . [She]_{2176-that girl} ’s spreading lies about how [we]_2177-we conduct business and how [Breaker]_68-breaker created a hostile environment for [her]_{2176-that girl} and berated [her]_{2176-that girl} in front of [fellow employees]_{2178-fellow employees} . ”_[92-jp] “ That ’s not fucking true , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say . “ [I]_0-i was never hostile , even when [she]_{2176-that girl} ‘ accidentally ’ tripped [me]_0-i while [I]_0-i was holding [my]_0-i morning coffee . [I]_0-i ’ve been nothing but kind to [that woman]_{2179-that woman} , and the reason [she]_{2176-that girl} was let go was that [we]_2177-we found out [she]_{2176-that girl} was the one going around to [[everyone]_{2071-everyone} ’s office]_{2181-everyone ’s office} and stealing [their]_{2071-everyone} daily to - do lists . [She]_{2176-that girl} had a whole collection of them filed away in [her]_{2176-that girl} desk . ”_[0-i] “ Well , [she]_{2176-that girl} ’s spinning a story and attacking [our]_2177-we business , and unfortunately , [she]_{2176-that girl} ’s getting attention . ”_[92-jp] “ What does that mean ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ It means , because [she]_{2176-that girl} ’s using the right platforms , [she]_{2176-that girl} ’s getting tons of views and now , media coverage . This has happened in the past twenty - four hours . ”_[0-i] “ How the hell does that happen ? ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp asks . [Huxley]_92-jp shakes [his]_92-jp head . “ No fucking clue , but [we]_2177-we ’re fielding calls about it . [Lottie]_96-lottie said [she]_{2176-that girl} heard [some employees]_{2182-some employees} talking about it in [the break room]_{2174-the break room} before quieting down as [she]_{2176-that girl} entered . [We]_2177-we ’re losing credibility by the second . ”_[92-jp] “ Because [someone]_2072-someone is lying , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say , anger heavy in [my]_0-i voice . “ Yes , but [the public]_{2185-the public} seems to be clinging to [her]_{2176-that girl} story . Therefore , [we]_2177-we need to take action while [Taylor]_94-taylor and [[his]_94-taylor team]_{2186-his team} gather evidence for a countersuit . [She]_{2176-that girl} has no leg to stand on , no evidence , just [her]_{2176-that girl} word and [[her]_{2176-that girl} friend who does n’t work for [us]_2177-we]_{2187-her friend who does n’t work for us} anymore . But [we]_2177-we have security footage , [we]_2177-we have the evidence that [you]_2188-you ’ve gathered , [Breaker]_68-breaker , over time , and [we]_2177-we have all of [her]_{2176-that girl} social media posts that have been screen recorded . Defamation will be what takes [her]_{2176-that girl} down . ”_[0-i] “ Okay , so . . . what should [we]_2177-we do ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ For one , [you]_2188-you need to take a step back . ”_[0-i] “ What ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i roar . “ No fucking way . [I]_0-i ’m not resigning because [someone]_2072-someone spreads lies about [me]_0-i . That makes [me]_0-i look guilty , and [I]_0-i ’m not guilty . [I]_0-i ’ve been nothing but respectful and professional to [that woman]_{2179-that woman} . ”_[0-i] “ [I]_92-jp ’m not talking about resigning , ”_[92-jp] [Huxley]_92-jp says , [his]_92-jp jaw growing tight . “ [We]_2177-we just need [you]_2188-you to take . . . a mandatory vacation . Just so it looks like [we]_2177-we ’re doing the right thing while [we]_2177-we investigate [her]_{2176-that girl} allegations , which means [you]_2188-you need to not be in [the office]_{2191-the office} . ”_[92-jp] “ That ’s bullshit — ”_[0-i] “ [He]_92-jp ’s right , ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp says . “ If this was with [any other employee]_{2192-any other employee} , [we]_2177-we ’d ask [them]_{2192-any other employee} to go on sabbatical while [we]_2177-we investigate the allegations . [You]_2188-you should n’t be treated any different . ”_[92-jp] “ But [I]_0-i did n’t fucking do anything , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say . “ [We]_2177-we know , ”_[92-jp] [Huxley]_92-jp says . “ But just because [we]_2177-we know [you]_2188-you ’re innocent does n’t mean [everyone]_{2071-everyone} will believe it . [We]_2177-we ’re in sensitive waters here , and [we]_2177-we need to make sure [we]_2177-we exercise due diligence in the investigation . If [we]_2177-we do this right , conduct the investigation correctly , then hopefully it will set a precedent for [any future employees who try to do the same]_{2194-any future employees who try to do the same} . ”_[92-jp] “ [I]_92-jp ’m afraid to say it , ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp adds , “ but [he]_92-jp ’s right , [man]_2061-man . ”_[92-jp] [I]_0-i glance back and forth between [[my]_0-i brothers]_{317-my brothers} , letting [their]_{317-my brothers} common sense sink in . “ Fuck , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i mutter as [I]_0-i lean back against the seat and push [my]_0-i hand through [my]_0-i hair . “ It ’s for the best , [Breaker]_68-breaker , ”_[92-jp] [Huxley]_92-jp says . “ And while [you]_68-breaker ’re gone , [we]_2196-we ’ll be sure to split up [your]_68-breaker responsibilities between [me]_92-jp and [JP]_92-jp . ”_[92-jp] “ Hey now , [I]_92-jp did n’t agree with that , ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp says but then quickly quiets when [Huxley]_92-jp gives [him]_92-jp a scathing look . “ It wo n’t be for long . Maybe a week or two , ”_[92-jp] [Huxley]_92-jp says . “ In the meantime , if [we]_2196-we have questions , [we]_2196-we ’ll communicate in person . [I]_92-jp do n’t want to leave any sort of paper trail . ”_[92-jp] “ So then what the hell am [I]_0-i supposed to do for the next one to two weeks ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask . “ Maybe help [Lia]_168-lia with [her]_168-lia knitting , ”_[92-jp] [JP]_92-jp says . “ [I]_92-jp know [you]_0-i know how to knit . ”_[92-jp] [I]_0-i glance at [Huxley]_92-jp , and [he]_92-jp says , “ Knitting might keep [you]_0-i busy . ”_[92-jp] “ Fuck off . . . both of [you]_0-i , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say right before [I]_0-i exit [the car]_{316-the car} and head straight for [mine]_0-i .

* * *

“ [Your]_0-i food is smelling up [the entire elevator]_{2197-the entire elevator} , ”_{[97-mrs. gunderson]} [Mrs. Gunderson]_{97-mrs. gunderson} says as [she]_{97-mrs. gunderson} stands as far away from [me]_0-i as possible , [her]_{97-mrs. gunderson} umbrella tucked under [her]_{97-mrs. gunderson} arm . It barely ever rains in [Los Angeles]_{6-los angeles} , yet [she]_{97-mrs. gunderson} carries around a large black one every day . . . just in case . “ Thank [you]_{97-mrs. gunderson} for pointing that out , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say to [her]_{97-mrs. gunderson} as [the elevator]_{319-the elevator} slows and then beeps , indicating [[our]_320-our floor]_{321-our floor} . “ Sarcasm is [the devil]_{2198-the devil} ’s tongue , ”_{[97-mrs. gunderson]} [she]_{97-mrs. gunderson} shoots at [me]_0-i before heading toward [her]_{97-mrs. gunderson} door . [I]_0-i walk in the opposite way and right past [my]_0-i door to [the apartment next to [mine]_0-i]_{322-the apartment next to mine} . “ Pre - marital sex is also the way of [the devil]_{2198-the devil} , ”_{[97-mrs. gunderson]} [she]_{97-mrs. gunderson} shouts before walking into [[her]_{97-mrs. gunderson} apartment]_{323-her apartment} . “ [I]_0-i hate [that woman]_{2179-that woman} , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i mutter as [I]_0-i knock on [Lia]_168-lia ’s door three times , kick the footer , and then say , “ Walla - walla - bing - bang . ”_[0-i] [Lia]_168-lia is quick to open the door , [her]_168-lia familiar freckled face easing the tension roaring through [my]_0-i body . [I]_0-i remember the first time [I]_0-i ran into [her]_168-lia in [the hallway of [[my]_0-i dorm]_{325-my dorm}]_{324-the hallway of my dorm} . [She]_168-lia was unsure of [herself]_168-lia but also so confident that [she]_168-lia could n’t help the things flying out of [her]_168-lia mouth . [Her]_168-lia vibrant red hair and mossy - green eyes under [her]_168-lia purple - rimmed glasses stood out , but it was [her]_168-lia pure honesty that really drew [me]_0-i to [her]_168-lia — unlike [anyone [I]_0-i ’ve ever met]_{326-anyone i ’ve ever met} . And now , [I]_0-i ca n’t go a day without talking to [her]_168-lia . “ [You]_0-i did n’t say ching - chang , ”_[168-lia] [she]_168-lia says with a smirk . “ [Ching - chang]_{98-ching - chang} was n’t a part of it . ”_[168-lia] [She]_168-lia points [her]_168-lia finger accusingly at [me]_0-i . “ [I]_168-lia knew it . ”_[168-lia] Chuckling , [I]_0-i open [my]_0-i arm that ’s not holding the food and pull [her]_168-lia into a hug . “ Missed [you]_168-lia . ”_[0-i] “ Missed [you]_0-i , [Pickle]_68-breaker , ”_[168-lia] [she]_168-lia says , using [my]_0-i nickname that [she]_168-lia gave [me]_0-i one night after a misspelled pickle during a Scrabble game . “ What took [you]_0-i so long ? [I]_168-lia started to tear apart the dessert [I]_168-lia got [us]_327-us . ”_[168-lia] “ [You]_0-i do n’t want to know . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i sigh , and [we]_327-us both walk into [[her]_168-lia apartment]_{323-her apartment} . [I]_0-i remember the moment [she]_168-lia found [this place]_{329-this place} . [She]_168-lia ’d been looking for about two days and then came across [this building in [Westwood]_7-westwood]_{330-this building in westwood} . [She]_168-lia had no idea if [they]_331-they had [apartments]_{332-apartments} for rent , but [she]_168-lia liked the flowers out front and [the Jamba Juice]_{8-the jamba juice} across [the street]_{333-the street} . [Lo]_96-lottie and behold , when [she]_168-lia inquired , there were [two apartments right next to [each other]_{288-each other}]_{334-two apartments right next to each other} . [She]_168-lia called [me]_0-i immediately and told [me]_0-i [I]_0-i was moving . [We]_336-our ’ve lived [here]_249-here for the past five years . Whereas [[my]_0-i apartment]_{338-my apartment} has more windows and open space , [[Lia]_168-lia ’s]_{339-lia ’s} has more character , with exposed brick on almost every wall . And the way [the individual apartments]_{340-the individual apartments} wrap around , [[our]_336-our bedroom]_{341-our bedroom} walls buddy up , and [our]_336-our balconies sit across from each other over [the atrium in [the lobby]_{343-the lobby}]_{342-the atrium in the lobby} . “ [I]_0-i do want to know what took so long because [glass Yahtzee]_{93-glass yahtzee} can only wait so long , and if [you]_0-i ’re raging , [our]_336-our game is going to end short . ”_[0-i] “ Who says [I]_0-i ’m raging ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask as [I]_0-i set the food on [her]_168-lia pristine white kitchen countertop . [I]_0-i have the same one , and [we]_336-our try to compete on who can keep [theirs]_344-theirs whiter . It ’s so stupid , but fuck , [I]_0-i think [she]_168-lia ’s winning . “ [I]_0-i ’ve known [you]_0-i for a decade , [Breaker]_68-breaker . Pretty sure [I]_0-i can tell when [you]_0-i ’re simmering in rage . What ’s going on ? ”_[0-i] Taking a seat on one of [her]_168-lia barstools , [I]_0-i rest [my]_0-i arms on the counter . “ [I]_0-i do n’t want to ruin the night . [I]_0-i have n’t seen [you]_0-i in over a week , and the last thing [I]_0-i want to do is talk about work . ”_[0-i] Or lack thereof , thank [you]_345-you , [Gemma Shoemacher]_95-gemma . “ Yes , and since [I]_168-lia have n’t seen [you]_0-i in over a week , the last thing [I]_168-lia want to do is eat dinner and play a fragile game of Yahtzee with [a grump]_{2201-a grump} . Now tell [me]_168-lia what happened so [we]_2202-we can move on and have fun . ”_[168-lia] [She]_168-lia sets two plates on the counter and adds , “ [I]_168-lia ’ve been planning this night for a few days now . Do not ruin it . ”_[168-lia] [She]_168-lia threateningly points [her]_168-lia finger at [me]_0-i , which [I]_0-i knock away . “ Fine , but [we]_346-we ’re not harping on it , okay ? ”_[168-lia] [I]_0-i drag [my]_0-i hand over the back of [my]_0-i neck . “ [I]_168-lia ’ve thought about it enough on the drive over here . [I]_168-lia just want to forget it . ”_[168-lia] “ Fine , now spill . ”_[168-lia] [She]_168-lia empties out the carton of lo mein and divides it equally on [our]_346-we plates . “ Do [you]_0-i remember [that one girl who used to work for [me]_168-lia]_{2203-that one girl who used to work for me} , the one who made [me]_168-lia that advent calendar ? ”_[168-lia] “ Remember [her]_{2203-that one girl who used to work for me} ? [I]_0-i still have every picture [she]_{2203-that one girl who used to work for me} drew of [you]_0-i in a box in [[my]_0-i room]_{2204-my room} . December 17th will forever be [my]_0-i favorite . The way [she]_168-lia accentuated [your]_0-i nostrils was pure perfection . ”_[0-i] [My]_0-i nostrils resembled two giant life rafts on [my]_0-i face , but of course , [Lia]_168-lia thought it was the greatest thing [she]_168-lia had ever seen . “ [Gemma]_95-gemma is [[my]_168-lia hero]_{2205-my hero} . [Sad]_99-sad [she]_95-gemma got so crazy and [you]_0-i had to let [her]_95-gemma go , ”_[168-lia] [she]_168-lia adds . “ Yeah , well , [she]_168-lia ’s suing [us]_2206-us now . ”_[168-lia] [Lia]_168-lia pauses , smirks , and then shakes [her]_168-lia head . “ Oh , [Gemma]_95-gemma , bad , bad move . Do n’t mess with [the Cane brothers]_{2207-the cane brothers} and [their]_{2207-the cane brothers} business . ”_[168-lia] [She]_168-lia glances up at [me]_0-i . “ What ’s [she]_168-lia attempting to get money out of [you]_0-i for ? ”_[168-lia] “ Claims hostile work environment , beratement from [me]_168-lia — ”_[168-lia] [Lia]_168-lia lets out a large guffaw . “ Beratement . . . from [you]_0-i ? ”_[168-lia] [She]_168-lia points the fork in [her]_168-lia hand at [me]_0-i . “ That ’s laughable . [I]_168-lia do n’t think [you]_0-i could hurt a fly if [you]_0-i tried , let alone berate someone in [a workplace]_{2208-a workplace} . ”_[168-lia] “ [I]_168-lia know . . . but [she]_168-lia ’s on some sort of warpath , claiming wrongful termination and all that other bullshit . [She]_168-lia ’s posted it on social media and is now getting press attention because [we]_347-we ’re [Cane Enterprises]_{9-cane enterprises} . Anything to bring [us]_347-we down . ”_[168-lia] “ Yeah , but [she]_168-lia ’s being [a total moron]_{2209-a total moron} because [you]_0-i ca n’t go and make up lies on social media like that ; if [you]_0-i ’re caught , [you]_0-i ’re effed . ”_[168-lia] [She]_168-lia tops [our]_347-we plates off with some General Tso ’s chicken . “ So is [Huxley]_92-jp countersuing ? ”_[168-lia] “ How do [you]_168-lia know that ? ”_[168-lia] “ Please . ”_[168-lia] [She]_168-lia licks the sweet yet spicy sauce off [her]_168-lia fork . “ [I]_168-lia ’ve known [you]_0-i and [[your]_0-i family]_{2210-your family} long enough to have witnessed the hard work , dedication , and many hours [you]_0-i ’ve put into building [Cane Enterprises]_{9-cane enterprises} . No way in hell is [Huxley]_92-jp going to let [some stalker — albeit a rather comical one]_{2211-some stalker — albeit a rather comical one} — get away with tarnishing the brand and the business [you]_0-i three have spent so long creating . ”_[168-lia] “ Yes , [they]_{9-cane enterprises} ’re putting together all the evidence [they]_{9-cane enterprises} need to present [their]_{9-cane enterprises} case . [I]_168-lia do n’t think [we]_347-we ’re in it for the money because [we]_347-we do n’t need it , nor are [we]_347-we in the business of putting [people]_2122-people in debt , but [Huxley]_92-jp wants to set a precedent . Make sure that [people]_2122-people know not to fuck with [us]_347-we . ”_[168-lia] “ Probably smart because [this girl]_{2214-this girl} has opened the door to the possibility of lawsuits , and if [you]_0-i end this correctly , [no one]_{2095-no one} will want to go up against [you]_0-i . ”_[168-lia] “ Yeah , that ’s the plan . ”_[168-lia] “ So what ’s the problem ? Sure , maybe [your]_0-i ego is slightly tarnished , but when has that ever affected [you]_0-i before ? Remember the time in [college]_2216-college [you]_0-i were mistaken for [the third - best Scrabble player]_{2217-the third - best scrabble player} rather than [the second]_{2218-the second} ? [You]_0-i took that like [a champ]_{2219-a champ} . ”_[168-lia] “ [You]_0-i ’re just full of laughs today , are n’t [you]_0-i ? ”_[348-she] “ Just trying to cheer [you]_0-i up . ”_[348-she] [She]_348-she pulls two Sprites from [her]_348-she fridge and deposits one in front of [me]_0-i , and then [she]_348-she takes the seat next to [mine]_0-i . [Our]_349-our shoulders bump as [she]_348-she gets comfortable . When [she]_348-she picks up [her]_348-she fork with [her]_348-she left hand , bumping into [my]_0-i right , [she]_348-she says , “ [You]_0-i took the wrong seat . ”_[348-she] “ [I]_348-she was pre - occupied . Deal with it . ”_[348-she] “ Are [you]_0-i really going to be grumpy all evening ? [I]_348-she was looking forward to a nice night of will [we]_349-our slice [our]_349-our hands open or will [we]_349-our not ? ”_[348-she] “ [I]_0-i ’m sorry , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i huff while pushing the chicken around [my]_0-i plate . “ [I]_0-i did n’t mention one thing . [The guys]_{2220-the guys} said [I]_0-i ca n’t go to work . [I]_0-i have to take time off until [they]_{2220-the guys} figure this all out . ”_[0-i] “ So what [you]_0-i ’re telling [me]_348-she is that [you]_0-i were just granted a vacation , and [you]_0-i ’re complaining about that , why ? ”_[348-she] “ Because [people]_2122-people will think [I]_0-i ’m in trouble or did something wrong when [I]_0-i did n’t do anything wrong . [I]_0-i ’ve worked hard to maintain genuine relationships with [[my]_0-i employees]_{2222-my employees} , and if [I]_0-i ’m not there , what will [they]_{2220-the guys} think of [me]_0-i ? ”_[0-i] “ [I]_350-i can see why that would bother [you]_0-i , ”_[350-i] [she]_350-i says . “ [You]_0-i do tend to pride [yourself]_0-i on the way [you]_0-i treat [people]_2122-people , and this is a slur to [your]_0-i character . ”_[350-i] “ Exactly . It ’s really shitty , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say , [my]_0-i voice growing heavy . “ Hey , ”_[168-lia] [Lia]_168-lia says , turning toward [me]_0-i . “ [The people who know [you]_0-i will understand the circumstances . [They]_{2224-the people who know you will understand the circumstances . they know you ’re not some tyrant , running up and down the hallway like a lunatic , yelling at the first person you run into} know [you]_0-i ’re [not some tyrant]_{2225-not some tyrant} , running up and down [the hallway]_{262-the hallway} like [a lunatic]_{2227-a lunatic} , yelling at [the first person [you]_0-i run into]_{2228-the first person you run into}]_{2224-the people who know you will understand the circumstances . they know you ’re not some tyrant , running up and down the hallway like a lunatic , yelling at the first person you run into} . And [the other people]_{2229-the other people} , the ones who might believe [Gemma]_95-gemma , well , [they]_{2229-the other people} ’re not people [you]_0-i want around [you]_0-i anyway . ”_[168-lia] “ [I]_0-i know [you]_168-lia ’re right , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say softly . “ Just ca n’t seem to wrap [my]_0-i head around all of it . ”_[0-i] [She]_168-lia pulls [me]_0-i into a hug , and [I]_0-i rest [my]_0-i head against [hers]_168-lia . “ It will be okay . If anything , [Huxley]_92-jp is relentless , and [he]_92-jp wo n’t rest until [your]_0-i name is expunged of any wrongdoing . ”_[168-lia] “ [I]_168-lia guess so . ”_[168-lia] [She]_168-lia releases [me]_0-i , and [I]_0-i let out a low breath . “ [I]_0-i ’m sorry about all of this . [I]_0-i ’m totally bringing down the night . ”_[0-i] “ It ’s okay . How about [we]_2230-we put [glass Yahtzee]_{93-glass yahtzee} on hold for now in case [you]_0-i have intermittent episodes of rage . [We]_2230-we ca n’t risk the slivers . Want to play cards out on [the balcony]_{2231-the balcony} ? ”_[168-lia] “ Maybe [we]_2230-we can watch a show . There ’s a new documentary called [The King of [Kong]_11-kong]_{2232-the king of kong} that [I]_168-lia want to watch . ”_[168-lia] “ Oh , [I]_168-lia saw that the other day when [I]_168-lia was scrolling through what to watch with [Brian]_100-brian , ”_[168-lia] [Lia]_168-lia says , talking about [[her]_168-lia boyfriend]_{351-her boyfriend} . “ [I]_168-lia suggested it , and [he]_{351-her boyfriend} gave [me]_168-lia the side - eye . [We]_2230-we ended up watching some sports game . ”_[168-lia] “ Some sports game ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i laugh . “ Not even sure what sport ? ”_[0-i] “ A ball was involved . ”_[168-lia] “ Well , that narrows it down . ”_[168-lia] [She]_168-lia chuckles . “ Either way , [I]_168-lia ’d love to watch it . Shall [we]_2230-we start it now ? Bring [our]_2230-we food over to the couch . ”_[168-lia] “ If [you]_0-i ’re cool with that . ”_[168-lia] [She]_168-lia tips [my]_0-i chin up and , in a gooey voice , says , “ Anything for [my]_168-lia pickle . ”_[168-lia]

* * *

“ [Brian]_100-brian would have hated that documentary . ”_[168-lia] That ’s because [Brian]_100-brian is [a douche]_{352-a douche} . But [I]_0-i keep that comment to [myself]_0-i . “ Yeah , did n’t quite scream something [Brian]_100-brian would have enjoyed . ”_[168-lia] [Lia]_168-lia shifts and then pokes [my]_0-i stomach . “ [You]_0-i going to be okay ? [You]_0-i ’re usually a little more chatty when [we]_2230-we watch documentaries . ”_[168-lia] “ Yeah , [I]_168-lia was just thinking . [I]_168-lia ’ll be good , though . ”_[168-lia] “ [You]_0-i know , if [you]_0-i need to talk about it , [I]_168-lia ’m always here . ”_[168-lia] “ [I]_0-i know . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i take [her]_168-lia hand in [mine]_0-i . “ Thanks , [Lia]_168-lia . ”_[0-i] [She]_168-lia gives it a squeeze . “ [You]_0-i ’re welcome . Now get out of here and go to bed . [You]_0-i look like trash . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i smirk . “ Can always count on [you]_168-lia to deliver the truth . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i pull [her]_168-lia into a hug and give [her]_168-lia a kiss on the top of [her]_168-lia head . “ Night , [Lia]_168-lia . ”_[0-i] “ Night , [Pickle]_68-breaker . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i let go and then head to [[my]_0-i apartment]_{338-my apartment} just as [she]_168-lia closes [her]_168-lia door . [I]_0-i strip out of [my]_0-i clothes , splash some water on [my]_0-i face , and then brush [my]_0-i teeth . Once [I]_0-i ’m ready for bed , [I]_0-i plug [my]_0-i phone in to charge , slip under [my]_0-i covers — naked — and then place [my]_0-i hands behind [my]_0-i head and stare up at the ceiling . The entire night , [I]_0-i kept wondering why [I]_0-i was so affected by this . [I]_0-i know [Huxley]_92-jp will take care of it . [I]_0-i ’ve been getting texts from [him]_92-jp all night about how [we]_354-we ’re going to make sure [Gemma]_95-gemma does n’t speak another word about [me]_0-i , but even with that reassurance , [I]_0-i still feel . . . weird . And [I]_0-i think it comes down to [her]_95-gemma attack on [my]_0-i character . [Gemma]_95-gemma attacked the one thing [I]_0-i take great pride in , and that ’s being [a good guy]_{355-a good guy} . Between [[my]_0-i brothers]_{317-my brothers} and [me]_0-i , [we]_354-we all have different personalities . [Huxley]_92-jp is [the grump]_{357-the grump} , [the domineering , the take - no - prisoners kind of guy]_{358-the domineering , the take - no - prisoners kind of guy} . [JP]_92-jp is [the funny one]_{359-the funny one} , [the easygoing guy]_{360-the easygoing guy} , [the instigator at times]_{361-the instigator at times} . And [me]_0-i . . . well , [I]_0-i ’m the levelheaded — [the sounding board]_{362-the sounding board} — and [the good guy]_{363-the good guy} . So having [my]_0-i name slandered with vehement lies is just so fucking painful . [I]_0-i ’ve worked so hard at being above reproach . [Respected . Trusted]_{101-respected . trusted} . And someone [people]_2122-people could rely on . For the most part , [I]_0-i ’ve accomplished that , but this . . . this just makes [me]_0-i think that maybe [I]_0-i did n’t . [I]_0-i scrub [my]_0-i hand down [my]_0-i face just as a light tapping comes from the other side of the wall . And just like that , a smile spreads across [my]_0-i face . Reaching up to the wall , [I]_0-i rap [my]_0-i knuckle four times . Like clockwork , [she]_365-she knocks three . Four knocks for four letters in love . Three knocks for three letters in [you]_366-you . It ’s something [we]_367-we ’ve done ever since [we]_367-we shared a wall . It ’s a gentle reminder that even though [I]_0-i ’m angry , irritated , or even sad , at least [I]_0-i have [Lia]_168-lia , [[my]_0-i best friend]_{2156-my best friend} , [the one person who can so easily put a smile on [my]_0-i face]_{369-the one person who can so easily put a smile on my face} . [I]_0-i do n’t know what [I]_0-i ’d do without [her]_168-lia . [I]_0-i do n’t even want to think about it . Even when things in [my]_0-i life are out of balance , there ’s one very solid , very predictable constant . [Lia]_168-lia .

Chapter Two

[LIA]_168-lia

“ Morning , ”_[100-brian] [Brian]_100-brian says through the phone . “ Just wanted to remind [you]_0-i that [we]_367-we have lunch with [[my]_100-brian mom]_{2233-my mom} this afternoon . ”_[100-brian] [I]_0-i lift [my]_0-i cup of coffee and say , “ Yup , do n’t worry , [I]_0-i ’ll be there fifteen minutes early so [she]_{2233-my mom} does n’t have to comment on how [I]_0-i ’m there only five minutes early . ”_[0-i] “ Be nice , ”_[370-him] [he]_370-him says . “ [I]_370-him ’m . . . [I]_370-him ’m — ”_[370-him] “ So did [you]_370-him tell [him]_370-him about [us]_367-we last night ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i stare down at the engagement ring sitting on [my]_0-i dresser . No , [I]_0-i did n’t tell [him]_370-him . [Brian]_100-brian is not a fan of [Breaker]_68-breaker ’s . “ Not yet . It was n’t a good time last night . ”_[100-brian] “ [Lia]_168-lia , how could it not be a good time to tell [[your]_168-lia best friend]_{2234-your best friend} [you]_168-lia ’re engaged ? ”_[370-him] “ [He]_370-him has some really bad things happening at work right now . Like . . . inimical circumstances . [He]_370-him found out about it last night . [I]_100-brian did n’t think it was appropriate to just spring it on [him]_370-him . ”_[100-brian] “ What ’s going on ? ”_[100-brian] “ Confidential things , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i answer because even though [Brian]_100-brian is [[my]_0-i fiancé]_{371-my fiancé} , [Breaker]_68-breaker is [[my]_0-i best friend]_{2156-my best friend} and deserves [his]_68-breaker privacy , especially regarding [his]_68-breaker business . “ Anyway , [I]_68-breaker ’ll tell [him]_370-him soon . ”_[68-breaker] “ Okay . ”_[68-breaker] [He]_68-breaker pauses and then says , “ [You]_0-i ’re not avoiding telling [him]_370-him for a reason , are [you]_0-i ? ”_[68-breaker] “ What does that mean ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask as [I]_0-i move toward [my]_0-i desk . Luckily , [I]_0-i get to work from [home]_373-home since [I]_0-i do contract work for [[my]_0-i clients]_{374-my clients} , which means [I]_0-i have [my]_0-i own hours and [[my]_0-i own space]_{375-my own space} . [I]_0-i ’m not exactly [a people person]_{376-a people person} . “ It means [I]_0-i just want to make sure [you]_377-i ’re happy about being engaged . It ’s been a week , [Lia]_168-lia , and [you]_377-i have n’t said anything to [him]_377-i . ”_[0-i] “ Because [he]_377-i ’s been out of [town]_2235-town . [I]_377-i ’m not about to tell [him]_377-i over the phone . It ’s something [I]_377-i want to do in [person]_2236-person . ”_[377-i] “ Okay . . . ”_[377-i] [he]_377-i says softly , and [I]_0-i can tell [he]_377-i ’s not happy . “ [Brian]_100-brian , [I]_377-i ’m going to tell [him]_377-i . [I]_377-i just want it to be a celebration , not something [I]_377-i say in passing or when [he]_377-i ’s in a bad mood or out of [town]_2235-town . [He]_377-i ’ll be happy for [us]_2238-we . ”_[377-i] “ Are [you]_377-i sure ? ”_[377-i] “ Why would n’t [he]_377-i ? ”_[377-i] “ [I]_377-i do n’t know . [You]_100-brian ’ve just been weird since [I]_377-i proposed . ”_[377-i] “ Weird , how ? ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i ask as [I]_0-i take a seat on [my]_0-i desk chair and slowly start to spin around in circles . “ Well , for one , [we]_2238-we ’ve only seen [each other]_{288-each other} twice this past week , and [I]_0-i do n’t know , [I]_0-i would think that since [we]_2238-we ’ve been engaged , [we]_2238-we ’d see [each other]_{288-each other} more . And [your]_100-brian texting has been sporadic . That ’s why [I]_0-i called this morning because [I]_0-i wanted to make sure [you]_100-brian were going to show up for lunch . ”_[0-i] “ [Brian]_100-brian , of course [I]_377-i ’d show up . ”_[377-i] “ [I]_0-i just do n’t know , [Lia]_168-lia . Seems like [you]_100-brian do n’t want to be engaged to [me]_0-i . ”_[0-i] “ Stop , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i say , growing frustrated . “ This is all just so . . . new , okay ? [I]_0-i ’m taking it one day at a time . ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i pause as [I]_0-i try to word what ’s been spinning through [my]_0-i mind over the last seven days . “ [I]_0-i may not talk about [them]_2241-they as much anymore , but [I]_0-i miss [[my]_0-i parents]_{2089-my parents} , [Brian]_100-brian . [They]_2241-they were [[my]_0-i world]_{2243-my world} . [They]_2241-they should be here with [me]_0-i celebrating . Planning . Being goofy and happy with . . . for [me]_0-i . But . . . [they]_2241-they ’re not here anymore , and that ’s just so hard . So if [I]_0-i ’m acting strange , it ’s because [I]_0-i ’m feeling . . . [I]_0-i do n’t know . . . sad . ”_[0-i] “ Oh . ”_[378-i] [He]_378-i ’s silent again . “ [I]_378-i ’m sorry , [Lia]_168-lia . [I]_378-i did n’t think about it that way . [I]_378-i just assumed , [you]_168-lia know , since [you]_168-lia ’re so close with [Breaker]_68-breaker , that maybe something was going on there . ”_[378-i] “ [Brian]_100-brian , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i groan while pressing [my]_0-i hand over [my]_0-i eyes . “ [I]_0-i ’ve told [you]_100-brian time and time again , nothing is going on with [Breaker]_68-breaker and [me]_0-i . Please , please do n’t make this a thing . [I]_0-i do n’t want to have to keep saying this to [you]_168-lia over and over . [You]_168-lia should know [me]_0-i well enough that when [I]_0-i say something , [I]_0-i mean it . ”_[0-i] “ [I]_379-he know , sorry . Fuck , [Lia]_168-lia . . . ”_[379-he] [He]_379-he blows out a heavy breath . “ It ’s just been a weird week . [I]_379-he ’m sorry . ”_[379-he] “ It ’s okay . But hey , [I]_0-i should open [my]_0-i computer and get some work done before lunch . ”_[0-i] “ Okay . [I]_379-he love [you]_168-lia . [I]_379-he ’ll see [you]_168-lia later . ”_[379-he] “ Love [you]_168-lia , too , ”_[0-i] [I]_0-i answer before hanging up and setting [my]_0-i phone on [my]_0-i desk . [I]_0-i stare at it for a moment , [my]_0-i mind racing . [Brian]_100-brian is right . [I]_0-i have been off . However , [I]_0-i was caught off guard . [I]_0-i was n’t expecting [Brian]_100-brian to propose . [We]_380-we had n’t even talked about it . It felt sort of out of the blue . [He]_379-he took [me]_0-i out on [a boat]_{381-a boat} for a sunset cruise , dropped down on one knee , and asked [me]_0-i to marry [him]_379-he . [I]_0-i said yes . It was a beautiful proposal . The ring is huge . Bigger than anything [I]_0-i would ever need in [my]_0-i life , and even though it ’s stunning , it does n’t feel right sitting on [my]_0-i finger . None of it feels right , and [I]_0-i do n’t know if it ’s because [I]_0-i ’m struggling with [[my]_0-i parents]_{2089-my parents} not being around for one of the most significant moments of [my]_0-i life or if [I]_0-i ’m struggling because even though everything about the proposal was magical , it was n’t quite [me]_0-i , or because [I]_0-i ’m struggling to find the words to tell [Breaker]_68-breaker . Ever since last year , [he]_379-he and [Brian]_100-brian have n’t really gotten along . [They]_383-they ’ve been cordial and friendly to [each other]_{288-each other} when [we]_385-we ’re all in [the same room]_{386-the same room} , but the friendship [they]_383-they used to have does n’t quite exist anymore . And it ’s [Brian]_100-brian ’s fault , yet [he]_379-he has n’t taken the blame , and [I]_0-i refuse to insert [myself]_0-i in the middle . [I]_0-i tried once , and that exploded in [my]_0-i face because [Brian]_100-brian was mad that [I]_0-i was defending [Breaker]_68-breaker . But . . . [Breaker]_68-breaker did n’t do anything wrong . [Brian]_100-brian works in investments . [He]_379-he actually works with [some very wealthy clients]_{387-some very wealthy clients} . One night , [we]_385-we were all having dinner together , and [Brian]_100-brian was looking for some . . . information . [He]_379-he was trying to get some clues as to what was happening with some stocks [Breaker]_68-breaker and [[his]_68-breaker brothers]_{388-his brothers} owned . Valuable shares in renewable energy . It was all sort of . . . skeezy the way [Brian]_100-brian went about it , crossing the lines of insider trading . And when [Breaker]_68-breaker did n’t break and hand over the information [Brian]_100-brian was looking for , [Brian]_100-brian got angry . It blew up from there . [I]_0-i ’ve tried [my]_0-i best to mull it over , but [Brian]_100-brian is [a prideful man]_{389-a prideful man} , descending from [a family of wealth]_{390-a family of wealth} . [He]_379-he ’s held to a very high standard by [[his]_379-he parents]_{391-his parents} . If [he]_379-he ’s not climbing the ladder , then [he]_379-he ’s not worth [[his]_379-he parents]_{391-his parents} ’ time . [I]_0-i think [he]_379-he was trying to land some big scores for [[his]_379-he clients]_{393-his clients} to benefit [them]_{393-his clients} and prove to [[his]_379-he parents]_{391-his parents} [he]_379-he has value . [I]_0-i could not imagine living a life where [you]_395-you have to prove [yourself]_395-you to [[your]_395-you parents]_{396-your parents} day in and day out because [their]_{396-your parents} love is conditional at best . Either way , [they]_{396-your parents} do n’t get along well , and [I]_0-i just do n’t know what [Breaker]_68-breaker is going to say when [I]_0-i tell [him]_68-breaker . [I]_0-i ’m not sure if [he]_68-breaker ’ll be happy , upset . . . if [he]_68-breaker tries to talk [me]_0-i out of it , [I]_0-i have no clue . And that ’s mainly because [we]_397-we have n’t spoken about [Brian]_100-brian much . [We]_397-we kind of just . . . forget that [he]_68-breaker ’s a thing in [my]_0-i life whenever [we]_397-we hang out . It ’s better that way . But now . . . now [I]_0-i do n’t know what the hell [we]_397-we ’re going to do . [My]_0-i phone chirps with a text , and [I]_0-i glance down to read it . [Breaker]_68-breaker : [Cronuts]_102-cronuts coming [your]_0-i way . [I]_0-i have a meeting with [[our]_397-we lawyer]_{2166-our lawyer} this morning , or else [I]_0-i ’d join [you]_0-i . Smiling , [I]_0-i text [him]_68-breaker back . [Lia]_168-lia : [Cronuts]_102-cronuts for what ? [Breaker]_68-breaker : For ruining [our]_397-we night last night . [I]_0-i tried to pull it together , but [I]_0-i could n’t quite get there . Sorry , [Lia]_168-lia . [Lia]_168-lia : No need to apologize . What are [friends]_2146-friends for ? Can [I]_0-i get a rain check , though ? These glass dice are calling [my]_0-i name . [Breaker]_68-breaker : What do [you]_0-i have going on tonight ? [I]_0-i ’m free . [I]_0-i give it some thought . Technically , [I]_0-i should probably go hang out with [Brian]_100-brian tonight , but [I]_0-i ’ll see [him]_68-breaker at lunch , and [he]_68-breaker does want [me]_0-i to tell [Breaker]_68-breaker , so maybe tonight would be a good idea . [Lia]_168-lia : Bring tacos . See [you]_68-breaker tonight . [Breaker]_68-breaker : [You]_168-lia know if [I]_0-i bring tacos , they ’ll be the pickle - flavored ones . [Lia]_168-lia : Uh , yeah , that ’s what [I]_0-i expect from [you]_68-breaker . [Breaker]_68-breaker : [I]_0-i ’ve broken [you]_168-lia in . [Lia]_168-lia : Like a comfy pair of jeans . [I]_0-i set [my]_0-i phone back down and smile to [myself]_0-i . As it always has been , texting [Breaker]_68-breaker — hanging out with [Breaker]_68-breaker — is so damn easy . And [he]_68-breaker gets that [I]_0-i need cronuts . Okay , time to get some work done .